Kalevala: The Epic Poem of Finland (eBook)

Elias Lönnrot was a Finnish physician, philologist, and collector of traditional Finnish oral poetry. Born on April 9, 1802, in Sammatti, in the Uusimaa region of Finland, Lönnrot is best known for his role in assembling and editing the Kalevala, the national epic of Finland. His scholarly work was instrumental in developing Finnish literature and cultural identity, particularly during a time when Finland was under Russian control and its language and cultural traditions were marginalized. Lönnrot's magnum opus, 'Kalevala: The Epic Poem of Finland', first published in 1835, is a compilation of epic poetry that he collected during his extensive travels across Finland and Karelia. His meticulous work in gathering, organizing, and synthesizing these folk tales, songs, and oral histories into a coherent narrative is viewed as a cornerstone of Finnish literature. The 'Kalevala' has had a profound impact on the Finnish national consciousness and has been influential in the fields of literature, art, and music both in Finland and internationally. In addition to the 'Kalevala', Lönnrot's contributions to the study of Finnish language and folklore are numerous. His work laid the foundation for modern Finnish linguistics and helped to promote the Finnish language as a literary medium. Lönnrot's literary style intertwined the rich oral traditions of Finnish folklore with a scholarly approach that sought to preserve and celebrate Finland's cultural heritage. He passed away on March 19, 1884, leaving behind a legacy that endures in Finnish culture and literature.